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Bridal Shower
The custom of throwing a bridal shower for women about to get married
is common practice throughout the United States and Canada. Where did
this custom originate? What brought it about? Why is it called a
"shower?" How does it work? The answers to these questions may surprise
you.
It is believed that this custom was brought about as a natural
growth from ancient dowry practices. In the case of a woman whose
family was too poor to provide her a proper dowry, Her friends would
get together and throw her a party where they would give her gifts to
make up a dowry she could take into the marriage. This practice was
also implemented for young ladies who chose a husband her family
disapproved of and, therefore, refused to provide her with a dowry.
An often told legend places the origins of the practice of the bridal
shower in sixteenth century Holland. The practice actually originated
in the American colonies, but publications mentioning such events did
not appear until about 1860 in Brussels, Belgium. It became a common
practice in cities in the United States among the moderately wealthy
families around 1890. The practice soon spread to rural areas and less
affluent ladies.
The term bridal shower has a couple of possible origins. One
possibility is that it is so called because the guests shower the bride
to be with gifts, referring to the number of gifts given at such an
occasion. The more likely reason is that during Victorian times, it was
common practice to place small gifts inside a parasol. When the bride
to be would open the parasol, the gifts would shower down around her.
The modern version of the bridal shower is more of a party thrown for
the prospective bride by her bridesmaids and closest friends. Often the
soon to be mother-in-law is also involved. The custom of giving the
bride gifts for her home is still practiced, though not all gifts are
as practical as they once were. The ladies attending the shower play
games, offer "advice" and generally enjoy themselves. Sometimes, a male
stripper is hired to come in and perform. This is most likely to offset
the fact that a stripper is often part of a man's bachelor party.
The custom of throwing a bridal shower for women about to get married
is common practice throughout the United States and Canada. This
practice originated in the British colonies, but legends take its roots
back to Europe in the sixteenth century. It came about as an extension
of common dowry practices. Their are a couple of reasons it called a
shower. Today, what it is a party for the bride to be with gifts,
games, and entertainment.
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